A Latina Veteran's Journey of Leadership, Resilience, and Advocacy

My name is Lisa Firmin , a proud Latina, decorated combat veteran of the United States Air Force , and an award-winning author and poet.?I retired from the Air Force in 2010 as the most senior-ranking Latina officer.

I’ve had the privilege of serving in leadership roles that tested my resolve, adaptability, and passion for advocacy. My journey has taken me from commanding troops in Iraq’s Sunni Triangle to breaking barriers as a trailblazer for Latina veterans. Through my work as a writer and consultant, I strive to illuminate the intersection of military culture, diversity, and personal resilience.

My journey is deeply rooted in my Latina identity and commitment to service. Through my books, such as Latina Warrior and Stories from the Front, and my advocacy for veteran issues like Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and inclusion, I continue to inspire change while empowering others to share their stories.

I transitioned from a decorated military career to civilian life by leveraging my leadership skills and personal experiences to advocate for marginalized voices.?I never wanted anyone else to suffer or be discriminated against the way I had been. With two Legion of Merits and a Bronze Star Medal, I am grateful for the many opportunities to lead and command.? I served as a commander multiple times in my military career and also while in combat in the Sunni Triangle in Iraq as an Expeditionary Mission Support Group Commander.

Post-retirement, I founded the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs and the Top Scholar program at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), paving the way for future leaders and creating programs that support veterans' success in higher education.

As a writer and speaker, I’ve channeled my lived experiences into impactful storytelling, publishing works like?Latina Warrior. This unique autobiography combines prose, poetry, and art to explore themes of resilience, identity, and overcoming adversity.?It is a unique way to chronicle one’s journey, I was blessed to have had fellow Bronze-star decorated Major Christina Helferich-Polosky, (US Army ret.) to serve as my artist collaborator to bring all my poetry to another level with original art.?My advocacy work includes facilitating workshops on writing to heal,?contributing to national publications, consulting on leadership, MST and diversity and inclusion topics.

Through my role as a member of the Department of Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (DACODAI),?the Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans (ACMV), the Hispanic Veteran’s Leadership Alliance (HVLA)?and other national boards, I have used my platform to influence policies that support veterans and promote equity in the military and civilian sectors alike.

As a Latina veteran, I’ve faced unique challenges in balancing cultural identity with the demands of military and civilian life. Misconceptions about veterans, especially women of color, often created barriers to accessing opportunities or being seen as capable leaders. Overcoming these biases required persistence and the ability to demonstrate my value through action.

Navigating the transition from military to civilian life also meant finding a renewed sense of purpose. After leaving the structure of the Air Force, I sought ways to channel my leadership skills into meaningful work, often creating the resources I needed for myself and others. Establishing networks outside the military was challenging but essential in redefining my identity as a Latina professional,?advocate and change agent.

For many Latino veterans, cultural adjustments and dual identities present hurdles in civilian workplaces. I’ve worked to combat these challenges by advocating for programs that emphasize inclusion, creating spaces where diverse voices are celebrated and supported,?where all are valued, not just some.